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By Myrna Trauntvein
TN Correspondent

In prior years, Nephi City has prohibited the setting off of personal fireworks east of I-15 and that will be done again this year.

Skip Worwood, council member, made the motion to adopt a resolution encouraging the prohibition of the discharge of fireworks on the east side of Interstate 15. Nathan Memmott, council member, made the second and all present voted in favor.

“The east side of the freeway is extremely dry this year,” said Seth Atkinson, city administrator. “It is closer to the mountains and fireworks could cause a wildfire.”

People were asked not to set off personal fireworks on city property east of the freeway but the hope was that all property east of the freeway would be personal fireworks free.

Memmott asked if the city could prohibit fireworks inside city limits.

“Actually, the city can do that,” said Kasey Wright, city attorney.

However, the fire chief would have to approve the ban. There were also other requirements that would need to be met before a ban was issued.

A county or municipality may prohibit any person from discharging class C common state approved explosives in accordance with a municipal ordinance prohibiting the negligent discharge of class C common state approved explosives.

Fireworks that are approved for consumer use are called “consumer fireworks,” and were formerly known as Class C fireworks,

“Class C common state approved explosive” means a firework that is purchased at retail for use by a consumer; and is not a Class C dangerous explosive.

Fire Chief Kurtis Park was not calling for a city ban at this time, Atkinson said.

The state wanted more control but the state legislature had put the question back in the hands of the leadership of each county and city.

The resolution adopted by Nephi reads: “Whereas, Nephi City Council has authority to regulate and prohibit the discharge of fireworks on municipal property pursuant to section 10-3-717 (1) (d); and

“Whereas, Nephi City Council finds that a resolution encouraging the prohibition of the discharge of fireworks on the east side of Interstate 15 is in the best interest of the City and its citizens; and

“Whereas, Nephi City Council finds that these recommended limitations on the use of fireworks are warranted to reduce the potential for damaging and costly forest and range fires.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Nephi City Council as follows:

“The City hereby prohibits and makes it illegal to discharge any fireworks on property owned by Nephi City on the east side of Interstate 15 and encourages the prohibition of fireworks on property within Nephi City on the east side of Interstate 15.”

The resolution took effect immediately.

Memmott said that some folks had set off personal fireworks at the golf course in the past.

“That is probably the greenest place in Nephi,” said Glade Nielson, mayor.

According to state code, a person may sell class C common state approved explosives in the state beginning on June 23 and ending on July 27.

Right now, in Utah, it is illegal to set off fireworks until July 2-5 for the Fourth of July, and July 22-25 for the Pioneer Day holiday. Fireworks remain banned on all state lands, federal lands and unincorporated private lands.